Biological Molecules Flashcards
What are the 4 key elements that make up biological molecules?
Hydrogen oxygen carbon and nitrogen
Why is magnesium important?
It is a constituent of chlorophyll and is essential for photosynthesis
Why is iron important?
It is a constituent of haemoglobin which transports oxygen in red blood cells
Why is phosphate important?
It is a constituent of phospholipids and is used to make nucleic acids (DNA RNA and ATP)
Why is calcium important?
It is a structural component of bones and teeth in mammals and a component of plant cell walls
What are micronutrients?
Inorganic nutrients needed in minute amounts
What is a compound?
Consists of more than one type of atom
What does inorganic mean?
Compounds that do not contain carbon bonded to hydrogen
What are macronutrients?
Inorganic ions needed in small amounts
What is an atom?
Contains electrons protons and neutrons
What is an element?
Consists of only one type of atom
What is a molecule?
Two or more atoms joined together
What does organic mean?
A compound that is based in carbon and contain carbon bonded to hydrogen
What is a polymer?
A structure made up of monomers bonded together through polymerisation
What reaction links two monomers together, and what is eliminated?
A condensation reaction, and water is eliminated
What is the inverse of a condensation reaction?
A hydrolysis reaction
What elements do carbohydrates contain?
Carbon hydrogen and oxygen
What are the main functions of carbohydrates?
Storage and release of energy and forming cellular structures
What are the three classes of carbohydrate?
Monosaccharides, disaccharides and polysaccharides
What bonds join monomers together?
Glycosidic bonds
What is the most abundant monosaccharide?
Glucose
How many carbons does glucose have?
6
What are the two forms of glucose?
Alpha and beta
What is the difference between alpha and beta glucose?
In alpha glucose the OH group on carbon one points down, while in beta glucose it points up
